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Nurses comfort the sick and injured in hospitals and medical facilities around the globe, drawing on their training, skills and supportive co-workers to care for their patients. Nurses also rely on professional nursing organizations to inform them of current trends, medical studies and changes in the field that may affect their profession. Organizations operate locally, assisting nurses in a particular city or state, as well as nationally and globally.

National Nurse Organizations

Nurses can choose from a number of national nurse organizations. The American Nurses Association (ANA), the National League for Nursing (NLN) and similar organizations provide their members with news, seminars and courses to keep them up to speed with changes in their field. These groups also post jobs, internships and applications for grants on their websites. Other organizations, like the American Academy of Nursing and the National Institute for Health Care Design, focus their efforts on policy and work to change local, state and federal laws.

International Nurse Organizations

Several nursing organizations operate globally and include members from countries around the world. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) collaborates with 130 national nurse organizations to improve the quality of nursing care and global health policies. Nurses Without Borders, a subgroup of Doctors Without Borders, sends registered nurses to impoverished countries around the globe. These nurses treat diseases, administer medication and set up triage in areas devastated by national disasters. International nurse organizations bring together nurses from around the world to help those in need.

Local Nurse Organizations

In states and cities across the country, nurses may choose from a number of local organizations. State groups advocate for nurses within their borders and explain new laws and regulations. These organizations work with state legislatures, governors and agencies to ensure nurses' rights are adequately served. In cities, nurses raise awareness of public health issues. State and metropolitan groups work together to fight substance abuse, homelessness, obesity and many other health problems in their communities.

Nurse Specialties

Nurses also become members of organizations that focus on a specific field of medicine. The Academy of Neonatal Nursing (ANN), American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) and others recruit nurses with experience and training in specialty practice areas. The Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) and other religion-based groups encourage nurses who share their religious beliefs to become members. The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) consists of exclusively African American members, and the American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) fills its ranks solely with male nurses.

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About the Author

Justin Pratt began writing professionally in 2006. He primarily writes articles about law, business, history, and health and fitness. He lives in Omaha, Neb., and works as a Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster at Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies.

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Pratt, Justin. "List of Professional Nursing Organizations." Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/list-professional-nursing-organizations-57455.html. Accessed 25 May 2019.

Pratt, Justin. (n.d.). List of Professional Nursing Organizations. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/list-professional-nursing-organizations-57455.html